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England’s World Cup cities announced

Milton Keynes, Plymouth and Bristol have been selected for England’s World Cup 2018 bid.

Twelve cities were chosen from the 15 who made their case last month – Hull, Derby and Leicester were the cities that missed out.

Seventeen stadiums were also selected, including the famous names of Wembley, Old Trafford and St James’ Park.

The decision does not guarantee the cities and stadiums World Cup matches if the bid is successful, however, as the list will be finalised in 2013.

The capacity of Stadium:mk in Milton Keynes, home of MK Dons, will be expanded to 44,000.

“We’re still very much a work in progress,” said MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman. “But I really think that the World Cup can re-enforce that agenda that we have got for growth and I think it will be really great for Milton Keynes.”

Plymouth’s Home Park stadium and Bristol City’s Ashton Gate will be completely rebuilt – both will hold more than 40,000 fans.

“We will be building a world-class stadium,” said Argyle executive director Keith Todd.

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson said: “It’s a magnificent achievement and credit to everyone involved. I’ve witnessed World Cups first hand having been involved in Japan and France. I know what a festival of football it is and how it lights up the whole area.”

Brian Mawhinney, Chairman of the England 2018 Technical Bid Panel said: “This is a tremendous day for the England 2018 World Cup Bid. The whole of football has worked in partnership throughout this process and it is significant that 8 Premier League clubs and 6 Football League clubs’ stadiums will be named in our Bid book to FIFA.”